Sixteen points? Really?
Believe it or not, that’s the spread for No. 1 Florida’s visit to Williams-Brice Stadium this Saturday, where the Gators will take on a University of South Carolina team that’s in the middle of its fourth consecutive season-ending tailspin.
Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. EST, and the game will be televised nationally on CBS. Unfortunately for Gamecock fans.
As we’ve noted till we’re (Gator) blue in the face, USC is sputtering when it needs to be stepping up.
After all, the “Garnet Way” is to start the football season strong (21-7 over the last four seasons), only to finish it with a whimper down the stretch (6-14 over that same span).
That’s happening again this year, as head coach Steve Spurrier’s team has lost three of its last four contests after starting the season with a promising 5-1 record. Meanwhile, top-ranked Florida has found its groove again after experiencing closer than expected games against Arkansas and Mississippi State.
The Gators are 9-0 (7-0), and have already clinched the SEC Eastern Division title and a spot in the conference championship game in Atlanta.
So … should the spread in this game be larger?
We obviously think so, but cast your vote in our poll below …
Loading ...After defeating Florida 30-22 in 2005 – Spurrier’s first year in Columbia – his Gamecock teams have gone downhill against his former alma mater and the site of his greatest coaching triumphs.
In 2006, Florida needed a blocked field goal on the final play of the game to squeak past USC 17-16 in Gainesville, the last time the series has been competitive.
In 2007, Florida’s last trip to Williams Brice, Tim Tebow ran away from USC 51-31, while last year in Gainesville, the Gators blew USC out 56-6.
NOTES: Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes returns to action against USC after suspending himself one game for a vicious eye-gouging incident in the Gators’ thumping of Georgia two weeks ago.
By Liberty For Me November 12, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Come on…Florida will score 16 points before the Gamecocks get out of the tunnel.
By Lenny November 12, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Sixteen points? Meyer resting his starters?
By OnNoNotAgain November 12, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Love the picture above.
It’s like they are both trying to reach around the other and be coy about it.
By barney fife November 12, 2009 at 7:06 pm
After what Spurrier did to Tebow in the pre-season, I would say it will be much more than 16 points. I am thinking at least 30.
By Todd November 12, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Has USC called a time out yet because they can’t get the play call on the field? No. Wait. It’s just Thursday.
By Toyota Kawaski November 13, 2009 at 9:01 am
STAY HOME FITS
By Not Sayin', Just Sayin' November 13, 2009 at 9:44 am
No doubt USC will get spanked, but I don’t get the enthusiasm with which Sic Willie embraces the slide. I think it gives rise to a new term along the lines of RINO and DINO: GINO (Gamecock In Name Only).
By Mr. Dart November 13, 2009 at 11:43 am
The line is set to get a roughly equal amount of money bet on both sides of the proposition. The house wins on the vig, not on undue risk.
The line isn’t what some “expert” thinks the final score will be. If USC +16 points seems slim why not put the family fortune on Florida minus 16? Anything else is just talk.
By PasserBy November 13, 2009 at 1:36 pm
FITS:
I think you missed the boat on this one. This story gives you the perfect opportunity to put up some pics of Tebow’s girlfriend. One look at her, and you’ll forget all about the point spread…
By Steve Jr November 13, 2009 at 2:31 pm
My daddy even says Florida’s second team would win by more than 16 points. The outcome will be 35-9. Florida wants that perfect season and Tebow is going to make it happen. Unfortunately after the game Carolina will have its own group of “wounded warriors”.
By Trey November 13, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Come 3:30 tomorrow, there is going to be a war in Williams Brice.
By Football Fan November 13, 2009 at 5:59 pm
I’m a Clemson fan but I still think that USC will do better than most people think. Florida’s offense is not like last year. I think 16 is about right, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the cocks kept it closer than that.
By Mr. Dart November 16, 2009 at 1:11 pm
‘Cocks covered.